National Newspaper Week, observed this year October 5-11 and celebrated for 85 years, since 1940, recognizes the important role of newspapers, which have informed readers in this country for more than 300 years, since Colonial times.

Journalism is a noble profession, protected and guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. A free press has always been important and necessary and is no less so in this modern age of social platforms (where misinformation is often spread, many times with no known origin or accountability). Responsible journalists are meticulous in accurately reporting the news.

In this digital age, some newspapers are changing their format, but they are newspapers still (just as photographs have changed formats from printed to digital, and as books are available in both print and digital format, and as music albums have different format availability in cd’s, records, and online streaming, and had previous formats of eight-tracks and cassettes). The Atlanta Journal-Constitution announced in August that the newspaper will transition to a digital only newspaper, with no print edition, effective January 1, 2026.

Each format has its advantages. Stories in print can be cut out and kept in scrapbooks, although stories online can be printed, as well. Digital newspapers can utilize audio and video, and stories published digitally can be published more frequently. 

Whether in print or online, whether weekly or daily, newspapers are essential to our nation and to our local communities, and all newspapers should be supported by their communities.

According to Forbes, one-third of all American newspapers have gone out of business in the past two decades, leaving many communities without a local news source.

Fortunate communities have more than one local news source with journalists working to inform, serve, and inspire their communities with a variety of news stories.